What are the indications for a tracheostomy?

Overcome Upper Airway Obstruction (Actual or Potential)
  • Tumour
  • Bilateral recurrent laryngeal paresis
  • Oral / facial trauma
  • Infection in oral cavity, pharynx or larynx
  • Burns
  • Following certain head and neck surgery
Facilitate Airway Protection and Secretion Management
  • Laryngeal incompetence due to critical illness, polyneuropathy, or bulbar dysfunction
  • Neurological disease
  • Traumatic brain injury
Facilitate Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
  • Any reversible condition requiring ventilatory support
Provide Lifelong Ventilation
  • High C-spine injury